What is Bethlehem Catholic focusing on as it heads into the second round of the PIAA tournament?

All regular season long either Kalista Walters or Maggie Melhem led Bethlehem Catholic in scoring.

Each was either first or second in points each game for the Golden Hawks, except for the season finale against Easton.

The two still have been crucial pieces as the team has rolled through the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference and District 11 Class 3A playoffs. However, they both struggled in recent games.

Walters, who averages 22.3 points per game, failed to reach double digits — scoring just four points in the District 11 3A championship game against Central Catholic, a 44-31 win — for the first time since 2013.

Melhem, hampered by illness, struggled in the 56-36 PIAA first-round win over Lancaster Catholic on Saturday, scoring only six points, well below her average of 14.3.

Walters was still effective on the defensive end and bounced back in a big way against Lancaster Catholic scoring 27 points — a total she last reached Jan. 25. And coach Jose Medina figures Melhem, now healthy, to again be the force she has been most of the season.

While Walters and Melhem each turned in a sub-par offensive outing, junior guard Jordynn Jones stepped up to fill the void.

Jones had a game-high and season-high 15 points in the District 11 finals against the Vikettes and chipped in nine against Lancaster Catholic, which was second behind Walters' effort.

Medina explained part of the reason Jones has surged as the stakes continue to rise.

"We run a motion offense, we like to spread out as well and she's been taking advantage of what the defense is giving her," Medina said. "When you take the ball to the paint, we want one of two F's — finish or foul — we don't want anything less. She's really taking advantage of that. Especially against Central Catholic, she put us on her back."

She is just one example of the depth that has helped keep the Golden Hawks ranked as one of the top four teams in the state all season long. But now, Bethlehem Catholic has reached the point where two of its last three seasons ended — the second round of the PIAA tournament.

Last year's 42-21 loss to Scranton Prep is still fresh in their minds as the Golden Hawks enter the second round against District 2 runner-up Conrad Weiser and they want to make sure they come out with a different result.

"We've been taking things one step at a time and the team's approach has followed suit," Medina said. "We're getting ready for [Conrad] Weiser, we're looking at film and using last year's disappointment as a motivation."

It's no secret what Becahi wants, and has, to do to win — establish the 6-foot Walters inside early, especially against a team that doesn't have a starter taller than 5-8. Medina also said his team needs to play solid perimeter defense to counter a five-guard offense that is going to "spread out" and "live and die by the 3."

It may be easier said than done, but if Bethlehem Catholic can execute, it will be one step closer to repeating 2013's run, which ended with a trip to the state final in Hershey.